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How to Check Tire Pressure

If you're driving through Lowell, Dracut, or Tewksbury, and all of a sudden, your tire pressure indicator light pops up, it means one or more of your wheels are below the recommended pressure. In this instance, you'll need to fill up your tires. If you're not sure how to do this, no worries! This guide from Ira Toyota of Tewksbury will serve as a brief, insightful tutorial on how to check tire pressure.

Not only will you learn how to check your tire pressure by reading this article, but you'll also learn about a few signs that suggest your tires are beginning to wear down.

How Do I Check My Tire Pressure?

Purchase a tire pressure gauge.

Check that your tires are "cold".

Insert the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem.

Note the tire pressure on the gauge and compare with the PSI number on the sticker inside your driver door.

Making sure your tires are filled to the proper level is an important part of automotive care, and it's relatively simple, too.

What you'll need to do first is get a tire pressure gauge. Once you've got this, you'll want to remove the valve cap from the tire you want to check.

After removing the cap, you should hear a hissing noise. This is air escaping from the tire, and it's normal. Once you've gotten to this point, place the pressure gauge directly onto the valve stem until the hissing disappears. After doing this, your gauge should provide a reading.

How Do You Know What Your Tire Pressure Should Be?

To determine whether this reading is in line with your tires' recommended pressure, you can look on the bottom corner of your driver-side door or reference your owner's manual.

Write down the suggested pressure for the front and rear tires on your car. By doing so, you'll check your tires knowing where the numbers on the pressure gauge should fall. If they land somewhere below the recommended PSI, it's time to fill those tires up!

What Do I Do If My Tire Is Low on Pressure?

If you've checked your tire pressure and one or more tire is low, you can fill the tire with air yourself. To do this, you'll need to locate an air dispenser. Gas stations are typically a good place to find these.

Next, you'll want to park beside the air dispenser and remove the cap from the tire you want to fill. This is where checking your tire pressure is important. You want to fill the tire with the right amount of air, so you have to check what it's currently at, then compare that to the recommended pressure level.

Once you know how much air you need to put in, use the air hose to supply air into the tires in short, decisive bursts until you reach the recommended pressure.

Can You Drive with Low Tire Pressure?

If you don't have time to fill your tires with air, driving on a tire with a low PSI can cause unsafe driving conditions or damage to your tires. If your tire pressure monitor light is on, we recommend finding the nearest gas station.

Importance of Checking Your Tire Pressure

Before we take a look at the steps in this guide, let's first review why tire pressure is so important to your vehicle's performance and health. No matter what type of car you drive, its tires provide you with the traction you need to drive safely and effectively.

With that in mind, the proper tire pressure bolsters the smooth performance of your car by equipping it with strength and stability. Not only does that help you avoid mishaps during your trip, but it also improves fuel economy and the overall power output of your automobile.

How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?

Typically, you want to check your tire pressure about once a month, as your PSI can change with varying temperatures and conditions. Tire pressure can decrease 1 PSI for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. A great rule of thumb is to check your tires at the beginning of the month or if the temperature drops.

Signs Your Tires Are Worn

If you repeatedly see your tire pressure indicator pop up after you fill your tires with air, it could be a steady leak causing the problem. This is typically due to the wear and tear that comes with old age or excessive usage.

If your tires are beginning to wear down, you'll likely notice one or more of the following signs:

Bulges or Cracks: If your tires have unsightly bulges or prominent cracks on the surface, it's likely time to invest in a new set of wheels.

Tire Pressure: If your tires begin to lose pressure quickly even after filling them up, they could be worn down.

Poor Traction: If you're driving along your typical commute and find your tires are sliding around turns rather than gripping the road, this is likely due to wear and tear.

Check Out Our Comprehensive Tire Center

If you have any tire-related needs, our tire center at Ira Toyota of Tewksbury is an ideal location to visit. We'll quickly patch up any leaks or install an entirely new set of wheels onto your vehicle.

So, if you're around Lowell, Dracut, or Tewksbury, give us a call today!